Kerf cutting machine

ABSTRACT

Kerf cutting machine for undercutting the solid material from the face of a mine vein includes a mobile body portion and a pair of scroll-type auger units rotatably mounted in spaced parallel relation to a pair of laterally spaced boom members. The boom members are pivotally secured to a support frame that surrounds the body portion. Power actuating devices mounted on the support frame are connected to the boom members and are operable upon actuation to pivot the boom members in a horizontal plane toward and away from the body portion. The auger units are provided with drive motors that impart rotation to the augers. A self-propelled power unit is pivotally connected to the rear end portion of the body portion and exerts a forward force on the auger units to advance the rotating auger units into the face. A linkage mechanism pivotally connects the support frame to the body portion and is, in turn, pivotally connected to a guide assembly that is positioned on the body portion for moving the auger units longitudinally relative to the body portion. The linkage mechanism is provided with a first set of actuating devices for vertically pivoting the linkage mechanism on the body portion to position the auger units at a preselected height relative to the face. A second set of actuating devices provided on the linkage mechanism is operable to tilt the front end portions of the auger units and exert a shearing force upon the solid material. Thus, a plurality of horizontal kerfs are cut in the face to dislodge the solid material between the mine ribs from the floor to the roof of the mine.

United States Patent 1191 Galis Sept. 23, 1975 KERF CUTTING MACHINE [76] Inventor: Alex J. Galis, 682 Killarney Dr.,

Morgantown, W. Va. 26505 [22] Filed: Apr. 9, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 459,291

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No, 304.503. Nov. 7,

1972. abandoned.

[52] US. Cl. 299/57; 299/66; 299/71 [51] Int. Cl. E2lC 25/68 [58] Field of Search 299/18, 57, 59, 66, 71

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1.303.797 5/1919 HOlmES 299/71 2.261.160 11/1941 .lOy 299 71 x 2.330.437 9/1943 1.6v61 299/71 2.801.091 7/1957 .lOy 299/71 x 2.801.092 7/1957 16 1 299/71 x 3,128,998 4/1964 Sibley 299/71 x 3.190.697 6/1965 GOnSkl 299/71 x Primary E.\'aminerErnest R. Purser Attorney, Agent, or FirmStanley J. Price, Jr.

[ l ABSTRACT Kerf cutting machine for undercutting the solid material from the face of a mine vein includes a mobile body portion and a pair of scroll-type auger units rotatably mounted in spaced parallel relation to a pair of laterally spaced boom members. The boom members are pivotally secured to a support frame that surrounds the body portion. Power actuating devices mounted onthe support frame are connected to the boom members and are operable upon actuation to pivot the boom-members in a horizontal plane toward and away from the body portion. The auger units are provided with drive motors that impart rotation to the augers. A self-propelled power unit is pivotally connected to the rear end portion of the body portion and exerts a forward force on the auger units to advance the rotating auger units into the face. A linkage mechanism pivotally connects the support frame to the body portion and is, in turn, pivotally connected to a guide assembly that is positioned on the body portion for moving the auger units longitudinally relative to the body portion. The linkage mechanism is provided with a first set of actuating devices for vertically pivoting the linkage mechanism on the body portion to position the auger units at a preselected height relative to the face. A second set of actuating devices provided on the linkage mechanism is operable to tilt the front end portions of the auger units and exert a shearing force upon the solid material. Thus, a plurality of horizontal kerfs are cut in the face to dislodge the solid material between the mine ribs from the floor to the roof of the mine.

11' Claims, 5 Drawing Figures US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 1 of3 3,907,368

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 3 of 3 3,907,368

KERF CUTTING MACHINE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of application, Ser. No. 304,503, filed on Nov. 7, 1972 and entitled A Kerf Cutting Machine" and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a kerf cutting machine for undercutting the solid material of a mine vein and, more particularly, to a-kerf cutting machine that includes a plurality of rotating auger-units that are fed horizontally in opposite directions across the face of a mine vein and retractable from the mine vein to dislodge and convey the dislodged material from the mine face.

2. Description of the Prior Art Kerf cutting or undercutting mining machines used to cut kerfs or horizontal slots within the solid face of a mine vein are well known. The conventional undercutting machines as described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,980,409 and 2,284,677 disclose cutting of one or more slots in a solid mine face by use of chain type cutters. The kerf cutter comprises a boom member which is pivotally mounted on a horizontal turntable. The boom member carries a cutter head rotatable about the horizontal axis of the boom frame on which is mounted a cutter bar having an endless chain guided on the periphery thereof. A motor drives the cutter chain and hydraulic cylinders serve to tilt the cutter bar in a vertical direction relative to the turntable and swing the bar pivotally relative to the boom frame. By this arrangement a horizontal slot in the mine face is formed by sumping the cutter bar at the right hand rib and moving it horizontally by rotation of the turntable across the mine face forming a horizontal slot or kerf in the face at the floor level. A gathering bar is provided for engaging loose material on the mine floor and for moving the loose material toward the loading position. After the kerf is cut, the mine face is drilled for blasting by a separate drilling machine mounted on the horizontal turntable above the boom member.

The conventional chain type continuous mining ma-- chine is limited in the cutting speed and depth of cut by a number of mechanical factors. The depth of cut is restricted by the difficulty in removing cuttings from the back of the cut to the mine face bythe action of the cutting chain to recirculate the cuttings. Subsequently, when the back of the cut is not thoroughly cleaned, improper fragmentation of the kerf will occur at the back of the cut resulting in inefficient material loading and decreased production of minerals from the mine. In addition, the cutting action of the chain tends to increase the dust hazard and lower the quality of production. Further, the cutting cycle is limited to the forward sumping and horizontal movement of the cutter bar across the mine face. The cutter bar is not adapted to dislodge material while it is retracted from the mine face.

An alternative to the chain type undercutter is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,801,092 which provides an augering type dislodging device for mechanically breaking down minerals from a solid mine vein. The dislodging device provides a rotatable breaker wedge device supported between two adjacent auger kerfcutting devices. The auger kerf cutting devices are carried at the outer ends of elongated booms universally pivotally mounted at the front end of the machine body. Fluid jacks are provided for swinging the booms to move the auger kerf cutting devices in opposite directions to effect cutting of a kerfat'the floor and roof levels and at the sides of the mine' passagewayQThe augering kerf cutting devices are pivoted from the ribs toward the center of the face to form a core of minerals projecting from the face. The breaker wedge is advanced into the projecting core of minerals to dislodge the coal from the face of the vein while a conveyor removes the loose' dislodged material from the mine face.

More recently, U.S. Pats. No. 3,190,697 and 2,920,879 disclose cutting augers for continuous min-' ing operations. U.S. Pat. No. 2,920,879 utilizes two I side cutting augers for sumping into a coal face by the forward movement of the entire machine toward the face and for advancing laterally across the face by the feeding movement about a vertical axis. The two side cutting augers are supported in parallel arrangement by a turret pivotally mounted on the main frame. Hydraulic cylinders swing the turret for feeding the augers across the mine face. Each'of the cutting augers follows the same cutting path as the turret advances the cutting augers across the face. i

As illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,190,697 two side cutting mining heads or augers are sumped into a mineral seam in the general direction of the axis of rotation of the mining'heads When the mining heads have advanced into the face to the required depth, they are fed transversely across the seam from the ribs to the center. The converging of the mining heads from the ribs to the center leaves a cusp projecting from the center which must be broken therefrom. Gathering and conveyor means are provided for picking up and conveying the dislodged material during the progress of the mining operation.

There is need for an augering type kerf cutting machine that provides not only for the advancing and feeding of the auger units across the mine vein, but for retracting the auger units as they dislodge solid material from the ribs of the mine vei'n. Further, there is need for a kerf cutting machine that provides augering type units which may be advanced to variable depths within the mine vein and fed laterally in opposite directions from the center to the ribs. In addition, there is need for a kerf'cutting machine that provides a plural-' ity of cutting auger units adapted to sump into the center of the mine face for removing solid material therefrom thus, eliminating cusp formations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a kerf cutting machine for undercutting the solid material of a mine vein' that includes a mobile body portion that is propelled over the floor of the mine vein by a power unit. A plurality of scroll-type auger units are secured to the body portion for dislodg' ing solid material from the mine vein. Suitable motors are drivingly connected to the auger units for imparting axial rotation thereto. The auger units are rotatably supported by boom members that are arranged to move longitudinally of the body portion for advancing and retracting the auger units into and out of the face of the mine vein. Power actuating devices connect the boom members to the body portion and are operable to move the boom members together with the auger units in a horizontal plane relative to the mine floor to out later ally within the face of the mine vein. The auger units include conveying devices for moving the dislodged material rearwardly of the mine face.

A pair of parallel, longitudinally extending rails is secured to the mobile body portion. A carriage is mounted for sliding movement on the rails longitudinally of the body portion. The carriage is pivotally connected to the rear end portion of a linkage mechanism. The front end portion of the linkage mechanism is, in turn, pivotally connected to a support frame that surrounds the body portion and horizontally supports the boom members and the auger units. The boom members are connected to the support frame for pivotal movement about an axis vertical to the support frame. First actuating devices are connected at one end to the linkage mechanism and at the other end to the carriage and are operable upon actuation to raise and lower the support frame, boom members and auger units in a vertical plane relative to the body portion. In this manner, the auger units may be positioned at a preselected height for cutting a horizontal kerf in the mine face.

A second set of actuating devices are pivotally connected at one end to the carriage and at the other end to the support frame. Operation of the second actuating devices tilts the front end portion of the auger units relative to the linkage mechanism so that the front end portion of the auger units moves in a vertical linear path. Thus, a downward shearing force may be exerted upon the solid material when the auger units are positioned within a kerf cut in the face to thereby dislodge the solid material remaining between overlying horizontal kerfs. A third set of actuating devices horizontally positioned on the support frame is connected to the boom members and is operable upon actuation to move the boom members and the auger units in a horizontal plane laterally toward and away from the support frame.

An additional feature of the kerf cutting machine includes the auger units supported by the boom members for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body portion. A fourth set of actuating devices interposed between the boom members and auger units is operable upon actuation to pivot the auger units about the horizontal axis relative to the boom members. In this fashion, vertical cuts are made in the mine face which intersect with and are perpendicular to the horizontal kerf. The vertical cuts further aid to dislodge from the face the solid material that remains between spaced overlying kerfs.

When the auger units have transversed the width of the mine vein between the ribs, the power unit is advanced rearwardly from the face thereby retracting the rotating auger units as they continue to cut additional material from the mine ribs. Retraction of the auger units from the mine vein dislodges the solid material remaining between the ribs and the face to complete the undercutting operation and to form a horizontal kerf in the vein above the mine floor.

Accordingly, the principal object of this invention is to provide a kerf cutting machine having a plurality of rotating auger units arranged to advance forwardly into the face of a mine vein. pivot laterally in a horizontal plane away from the machine body portion and retract from the face along the ribs ofa mine vein to undercut a horizontal kerf therein.

Another object of this invention is to provide a kerf cutting machine adapted to remove dislodged material from the kerf by the conveying action of a combination follower plate and cutter scroll thereby resulting in a cleanly cut kerf.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a kerf cutting machine having a plurality of rotating auger units arranged to move vertically relative to the machine body portion and thereby position the auger units adjacent the mine face for cutting a horizontal kerf at a preselected height in the face.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a kerf cutting machine having rotating auger units capable of vertical and horizontal movement within the mine vein to effect dislodging of the solid material between the mine ribs from the floor to the roof of the mine.

These and other objects of this invention will be more completely disclosed and described in the following specification, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a mobile kerf cutting machine having a pair of forwardly extending auger units, illustrating in phantom lines the relative movement of the auger units through the face of a mine vein.

FIG. 2 is a view in side elevation of the kerf cutting machine shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the vertical movement of the auger units.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the pivotal connection between one of the auger units and the frame of the body portion.

FIG. 4 is a view in section taken along the line IVIV of FIG. 3, illustrating pivotal movement of the auger unit about an axis horizontal to the body portion frame.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a mine vein illustrating the cutting sequence performed by the kerf cutting machine illustrated in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1 and -2, there is illustrated a kerf cutting machine generally designated by the numeral 10 advancing into the face F ofa mine vein to undercut and dislodge the solid material therefrom. The kerf cutting machine has a body portion 12 supported on propelling wheels 14 and 16. A pair of auger units generally designated by the numeral 18 are pivotally secured to the body portion 12 and are arranged to pivot in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis and move upwardly and downwardly in a vertical plane to position the auger units 18 at a preselected location relative to the face F. The rear end portion of the mobile body portion 12 is pivotally secured to the front end of a self-propelled power unit 20 by a suitable connection 22. The self-propelled power unit 20 is arranged to exert a forward force on the body portion 12 as the auger units 18 advance into the face F.

In general, the rotating auger units 18 are advanced into the center of the mine face F to a preselected depth by forward movement of the power unit 20 or by horizontal movement of the auger units 18 on the body portion 12 in a manner hereinafter explained. The rotating auger units 18, having reached a preselected depth within the face F, pivot about an axis vertical to the body portion 12 and move laterally in a horizontal plane away from the body portion to dislodge solid material between the ribs of the vein and thereby form a first horizontal kerf 17 therein, as illustrated in FIG. 5. When the rotating auger units 18 have reached a fully extended position, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. I, the auger units are then retracted along the mine ribs to thereby dislodge the solid material remaining between the face F and the ribs. The kerf cutting operation is completed when the rotating auger units 18 are retracted from the face F. By elevating the auger units 18 to a preselected height above the first kerf 17, a second kerf 19 is cut in the face F above the first kerf 17. Accordingly, a third kerf 21 and subsequent kerfs are cut at preselected heights in the face F to completely dislodge the solid material between the mine ribs from the floor to the roof.

The power unit for propelling the mobile body portion 12 over the floor of the mine is mounted on rubber tired wheels 24 and 26 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; however, the power unit 20 may be mounted in any known conventional manner for travel, such as on crawler treads or track engaging wheels. The power unit 20 is provided with a suitable drive means (not shown), such as electrically or hydraulically operated motors mounted on the frame of the power unit. Suitable cable reel and spooling device combinations may also be mounted on the power unit 20. A centrally located operators station 28 is provided with control means for operating the power unit 20 and performing the undercutting operation by the auger units 18.

The mobile body portion 12 is arranged to pivot about the connection 22 relative to the power unit 20 and additional power actuated steering devices (not shown) connecting the body portion 12 to the power unit 20 may be utilized for steering the body portion 12 relative to the power unit 20 as the auger units 18 are advanced forwardly into the face F. In addition, the body portion 12 may be mounted for travel on any other conventional means such as on crawler treads or track engaging wheels as hereinabove described for the power unit 20.

Hydraulically operated roof jacks 30 are positioned rearwardly on the body portion 12 and are arranged to engage the roof and floor of the mine and actuation of the roof jacks 30 anchors the kerf cutting machine while the auger units 18 are performing the undercutting operation. In addition, stabilizing cylinders 32 are operably associated with the roofjacks 30 for maintaining the auger units 18 in a substantially horizontal position and perpendicular to the face F.

The body portion 12 is provided with a guide assembly generally designated by the numeral 34 for longitudinally moving the auger units 18 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body portion 12. The guide assembly 34 includes a pair of parallel spaced longitudinally extending rails 36 and 38 that are rigidly supported on the body portion 12. A carriage 40 is slidably mounted on the rails 36 and 38 and includes a pair of outwardly extending horizontal arm members 42 and 44. Suitable power actuators (not shown), such as hydraulically operated piston cylinder assemblies positioned below the carriage 40 connect the carriage to the body portion 12. The power actuators are operable upon actuation to move the carriage 40 longitudinally on the rails 36 and 38 to thereby advance and retract the auger units 18 into and out of the face F in a manner hereinafter explained.

A linkage mechanism generally designated by the numeral 46 includes first and second link members 45 and 47 that are positioned laterally of the carriage adjacent the arm members 42 and 44. The link members and 47 are arranged to pivotally connect the auger units 18 to the body portion 12, The rear end portions of the link members 45 and 47 are pivotally connected to the carriage arm members 42 and 44 respectively. A support frame 48 surrounds the front end portion of the body portion'l2 and includes a rear end portion that is pivotally connected to the front end portions of the link members 45 and 47.

Positioned forwardly of the linkage mechanism 46 and adjacent to the support frame 48 is a swing frame generally designated by the numeral 50 for rotatably supporting the auger units 18 on the body portion 12. The swing frame 50 includes a pair of laterally spaced boom members 52 and 53 that extend longitudinally of the body portion 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The laterally spaced boom members 52 and 53 are connected at their rear end portions to the rear end portions of ths support frame 48 by the pivot connections 54, as illustrated in FIG. 3, to permit the boom members to pivot about an axis vertical to the support frame 48. Extensible power actuating devices 56 are connected at one end portion to the support frame 48 and at their other end portion to boom members 52 and 53. The actuating devices 56 are operable upon actuation to pivot the boom members 52 and 53 about the connection 54 relative to the support 48 laterally in a horizontal plane from an initial abutting position, as illustrated by the solid lines in FIG. 1, to a fully extended position, as illustrated by the phantom lines in FIG. 1.

Each of the auger units 18 includes a motor 58 and a drive head assembly 60 drivingly connected thereto. An elongated auger rod 62 is secured to the drive head assembly 60 so that rotation of the motor 58 is transmitted through the drive head assembly 60 t0 the auger rod 62 for imparting rotation thereto at a preselected angular speed. A continuous cutter scroll 64 is formed integral with the elongated auger rod 62. The cutter scroll 64 extends in a spiral arrangement along the auger rod 62. In accordance with the practice of the present invention, a plurality of cutting elements (not shown) may be secured to the periphery of the continuous cutter scroll 64 to further aid in dislodging the solid material from the mine face as the auger units 18 advance forwardly into the face.

The auger drive head assemblies 60 of the auger units 18 are pivotally secured by a pivot connection 66 to the rear end portions of the swing frame boom members 52 and 53. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the pivotal connection of the drive head assembly 60 to the horizontal axis of the boom member 52. A pair of actuating devices, such as hydraulically operated piston cylinder assemblies generally designated by the numerals 68 and 70 are interposed between the oppositely extending vertical flange portions 72 and 74 of the boom member 52 and the drive head assembly 60. The piston cylinder assemblies 68 and 70 include cylinders 76 that are secured to the flanges 72 and 74 respectively and extensible piston rods 78 that project from cylinders 76. The piston rods 78 are secured to the top and bottom portions of the drive head assembly 60. The piston cylinder assemblies 68 and 70 are selectively operable upon actuation to extend and retract the piston rods 78 relative to the cylinders 76 and thereby pivot the auger unit 18 about the horizontal axis of the boom member 52 at the pivot point 66. With this arrangement, the piston cylinder assemblies 68 and 70 provide limited rotation of the auger units 18 relative to the boom members 52 and 53 in an arcuate vertical path, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The auger rods 62 are backed up by arcuately shaped follower plates 80 that are positioned between and in spaced parallel relation to the auger rods 62 and the boom members 52 and 53. The follower plates 80 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom members 52 and 53 and are connected to the boom members 52 and 53 for pivotal movement about an axis horizontal thereto. In addition, the auger rods 62 are rotatably supported on the follower plates 80 by bearing supports 82. In this fashion, the auger rods 62 are capable of axial rotation relative to the follower plates 80.

As explained hereinbefore, the link members 45 and 47 of the linkage mechanism 46 pivotally connect the carriage 40 to the support frame 48. Actuating devices 84 are connected at one end to the carriage 40 and at the opposite end to cross members 86 of the link members 45 and 47, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The actuating devices 84 are operable upon actuation to raise and lower the auger units 18 in a vertical plane relative to the body portion 12.

Actuation of the actuating devices 84 pivots the rear end portion of the link members 45 and 47 about an axis horizontal to the carriage 40. As the link members 45 and 47 pivot upwardly relative to the carriage 40, the front end portions of the link members pivot relative to the rear end portion of the support frame 48. Thus, the pivotal movement of the link members 45 and 47 relative to the carriage 40 and support frame 48 provide resultant vertical movement of the auger units 18 to a preselected height on the face F.

Additional actuating devices 88 are interposed between the carriage 40 and the support frame 48. Operation of the actuating devices 88 tilts the auger units 18 relative to the link members 45 and 47 to permit the front end portion of the auger units 18 to move in a vertical linear path as indicated by the dashed line 90 shown below the third kerf 21 in FIG. 4. The vertical pivotal movement of the auger units 18 may be directed either upwardly or downwardly as desired by selective operation of the actuating devices 88. Thus, the auger units 18 pivotally connected to the body portion 12 by the linkage mechanism 46 may be positioned at a desired location relative to the face F by the selective operation of the actuating devices 84 and 88.

To dislodge the solid material from the face by performing a plurality of horizontal cuts at preselected heights in the face, the power unit propels the mobile body portion 12 over the mine floor into position adjacent the face. The hydraulic jack assemblies and the stabilizing cylinders 32 are actuated to rigidly position the body portion adjacent the face and align the auger units 18 in a horizontal plane relative to the face. With the auger units 18 initially positioned -at the bottom center portion of the face adjacent the mine floor and in abutting relation to each other, as illustrated in FIG. I. the carriage 40 is advanced forwardly on the rails 36 and 38. Forwardly advancing the carriage 40 on the body portion 12 penetrates the auger units 18 a preselected depth into the face. Thereafter, the roof jacks 30 are retracted from engagement with the mine roof and floor to permit the power unit 20 to tram forwardly as the carriage 40 is simultaneously moved rearwardly on the rails 36 and 38. In this fashion, the auger units 18 are maintained at the preselected depth within the mine face; however, the power unit 20 has advanced to a position closer to the mine face. Once again, the roofjacks 30 are extended to engage the roof and floor to rigidly anchor the body portion 12.

The kerf cutting operation is continued by advancing the rotating auger units 18 into the face as the carriage 40 moves forwardly on the rails 36 and 38. Once the carriage 40 has been advanced on the rails 36 and 38 to penetrate the auger units 18 to a preselected depth into the face, the actuating devices 56 are employed to move the boom members 52 and 53 and the auger units 18 laterally in a horizontal plane away from the body portion 12. In this fashion, as sequentially illustrated in FIG. 1, the width of the kerf is extended from the center of the face to the rib sections of the mine vein in a substantially arcuate path.

As the auger units 18 are pivoted laterally in a horizontal plane through the face, the piston cylinder assemblies 68 and 70 are actuated at selected intervals to pivot the auger units 18 relative to the swing frame 50 about a horizontal axis and thereby cut perpendicular slots above and intersecting the first horizontal kerf 17. When the first horizontal kerf 17 has been expanded to extend completely between the rib sections, the rotating augers 18 are retracted in their fully extended position from the mine face by rearward movement of the carriage 40 on the rails 36 and 38. Periodically, as the auger units 18 are retracted along the rib sections, the piston cylinder assemblies 68 and 70 are further actuated to pivot the auger units 18 upwardly relative to the swing frame 50. In this manner, vertical slots are cut above the first horizontal kerf 17, adjacent the rib sections. The vertical slots thus formed are utilized for the transportation of dust and cuttings rearwardly from the mine face and ventilation air into the mine face.

As the rotating auger units 18 are advanced and retracted into and out of the face, the action of the cutter scrolls 64 serves to dislodge solid material from the face. The cuttings are removed from the face by the conveying action of the cutter scrolls 64 and are confined to the surface of the follower plates 80. Thus, the deleterious atmosphere attributed to the recirculation of the dislodged material within the horizontal kerf is eliminated. Further, conveying of the dislodged material away from the face provides for a uniform rate of.

rotation of the auger rods 62 thereby preventing overload of the motors 58.

When the carriage 40 has reached its rearmost position on the rails 36 and 38 with the auger units 18 extending into the face, the body portion 12 is freed from engagement with the main roof and floor to permit rearward movement of the power unit 20 and the body portion 12. Simultaneously with the rearward movement of the prime mover 20, the carriage 40 is advanced forwardly on the rails 36 and 38 so that the relative position of the auger units 18 with respect to the face remains substantially the same as the position of the auger units 18 prior to the rearward movement of the power unit 20. Thereafter, the body portion 12 is anchored on the main floor by engagement of the hydraulic jacks 30 with the mine roof and floor. The retraction of the auger units 18 from the face by the rearward movement of the carriage 40 on the body portion 12 is then continued. I

During the step of retracting the fully extended auger units 18 from the face. the auger units remain in cutting relation with the mine ribs by actuation of the piston cylinder assemblies 56. In this fashion, the solid mate rial remaining uncut between the ribs and the front portion of the face is dislodged from the mine vein. Once the auger units 18 are fully retracted from the face, the piston cylinder assemblies 56 are actuated to pivot the auger units 18 on the swing frame 50 transversely toward the body portion to substantially abutting relationship as illustrated in FIG.- 1. i

To execute the second horizontal cut 19 in the mine face at a preselected height above the first horizontal cut 17, the piston cylinder assemblies 84 on the link members 45 and 47 are actuated to vertically raise the auger units 18 to a position approximately midway between the roof and the floor, as illustrated in FIG. 5. At this height. the undercutting operation is repeated according to the'method explained above. As the auger units 18 are pivoted transversely in a horizontal plane toward the rib sections, the piston cylinder assemblies 68 and 70 are actuated to pivotthe auger units 18 about the swing frame 50 vertically upwardly and downwardly to form in the face vertical slots which intersect the horizontal kerf 19. These vertical slots are located at spaced intervals across the face and are substantially aligned with the slots cut above the first kerf 17. In this fashion, a shearing force is exerted upon the solid material remaining between the first and second kerfs to dislodge the solid material from the face. Thus, an opening is formed in the face extending from the mine floor to the upper horizontal surface of the mine vein as defined by the second kerf 19.

The dislodging of the solid layer of material between the first and second horizontal kerfs l7 and 19 from the face is further aided by the forward tilting movement of the front end of the auger units 18. The vertical tilting of the auger units 18, as hereinbefore explained, is accomplished by the actuation of the piston cylinder assemblies 88 to pivot the front end portion of the auger units 18 relative to the link members 45 and 47. Thus, the downward pressure exerted by the auger units 18 within the second horizontal kerf l9 breaks the solid layer between the first and second kerfs from the mine face. In forming the second kerf 19 the horizontal pivotal movement of the auger units 18 is extended to form a kerf wider than the first kerf so that a longitudinal channel (not shown) is formed adjacent the ribs for the passage of ventilation air to the face or dust and cuttings from the mine face. The channels further function to confine the dust generated by the cutting action of the cutter scrolls 64 to the rib sections.

A third kerf 21 is cut in the face adjacent the mine roof and spaced above the second kerf 19 by elevating the auger units 18 to a position where the cutter scrolls 64 are in abutting relation with the roof. The advancing and pivoting of the auger units 18 are performed in the manner above described to form the third kerf2l adjacent the roof at a preselected height above the second kerf 19. As with the first two kerfs, vertical slots are formed at spaced intervals across the width of the third kerf. The vertical slots in third kerf 21 are located below the kerf and are vertically aligned with the vertical slots made in the second kerf 19. In addition. a shearing force may also be exerted by the augers 18 uponthe solid material by the downward tilting movement of the augers 18 as indicated by the dashed line 90 in FIG. 5. Accordingly, the solid layer remaining between the second and third kerfs is dislodged from the face and falls onto the disintegrated material removed by the first and second kerf cutting operations.

A final cut is made in the face to clean adjacent the rib sections once the dislodged material has been removed from the mine passageway. The rib sections are cleaned by either forwardly moving the power unit 20 together with the body portion 12 or advancing the carriage 40 on the rails 36 and 38 to forwardly advance the auger units 18 to the full depth of the original cut. The auger units 18 then are pivoted transversely away from the body portion 12 to engage in abutting relation the rib sections. At the rib sections the auger units 18 are pivoted vertically upwardly and downwardly by actuation of the piston cylinder assemblies 68 and 70 as above described. The auger units 18 are then retracted from the face in extended position by either rearwardly moving the power unit 20 arid body portion 12 or by retracting the auger units 18 on the body portion 12 by rearward movement of the carriage 40 on the rails 36 and 38.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, I have explained the principle, preferred construction and mode of operation of my invention and have illustrated and described what I now consider to represent its best embodiment. However, it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.

I claim:

I. A kerf cutting machine comprising,

a mobile body portion,

propelling means formoving said body portion over the floor of a mine, I

a plurality of auger means for dislodging the solid material from a mine vein, said plurality of auger means rotatably supported on said body portion,

drive means for rotating said auger means,

a carriage mounted for longitudinal movement on said body portion,

a support frame having a longitudinal axis and surrounding said body portion,

said auger means rotatably supported on said support frame and arranged to pivot about the vertical axis relative thereto laterally toward and away from said body portion, said auger means being connected to said support frame for pivotal movement about said longitudinal axis thereof,

a linkage mechanism for connecting said carriage to said support frame to raise and lower said auger means in a vertical plane relative to said body portion,

said support frame being pivotally connected to said linkage mechanism for tilting the forward end portion of said auger mechanism relative to said linkage mechanism such that the forward end portion of said auger means moves in a linear vertical path, and

means for conveying dislodged material from the face of the mine vein.

2. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 which includes,

actuator means interposed between said carriage and said linkage mechanism for raising and lowering said auger means in a vertical plane to a preselected height above the mine floor.

3. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 in which said linkage mechanism includes,

a front end portion pivotally connected to the rear end portion of said auger means, and

a rear end portion pivotally connected to said carriage such that said front end portion pivots relative to said auger means rear end portion as said linkage mechanism rear end portion pivots relative to said carriage to maintain said auger means in horizontal position relative to said body portion when moved vertically.

4. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 3 in which said linkage mechanism includes,

first actuator means for raising and lowering said auger means in a vertical plane relative to said body portion, and

second actuator means for tilting the front end portion of said auger means relative to said linkage mechanism so that said auger means front end portion moves in a vertical linear path.

5. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 which includes,

said auger means having a longitudinal axis positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of said support frame, and

fluid actuated means interposed between said support frame and said auger means for pivoting the longitudinal axis of said auger means relative to the longitudinal axis of said support frame to move said auger means relative to said support frame in an arcuate vertical path.

6. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 in which said support frame includes,

a swing frame including a plurality of laterally spaced boom members extending forwardly of said body portion,

said boom members pivotally connected to the transverse axis of said body portion for movement in a horizontal plane relative thereto,

said auger means rotatably supported by and extending in parallel spaced relation to said boom members.

7. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 6 which includes,

actuator means connecting said boom members to said body portion for moving said boom members together with said auger means in a horizontal plane laterally toward and away from said body portion.

8. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 which includes,

a pair of parallel, longitudinally extending guide rails secured to said body portion, and

said carriage mounted for reciprocal movement on said guide rails such that movement of said carriage on said guide rails advances and retracts said auger means longitudinally relative to said body portion.

9. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 in which said plurality of auger means includes,

a plurality of auger units, each of said auger units including an elongated auger rod having a continuous cutter scroll integral therewith, and

said cutter scroll positioned radially about said elongated auger rod and extending horizontally therealong.

10. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 in which said drive means includes,

a motor drivingly connected to and supported by said auger means.

11. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 in which said conveying means includes,

a follower plate longitudinally carried on said auger means,

said follower plate positioned in spaced parallel relation to said auger means so that material dislodged from the mine vein by said auger means is conveyed rearwardly on the surface of said follower plate. 

1. A kerf cutting machine comprising, a mobile body portion, propelling means for moving said body portion over the floor of a mine, a plurality of auger means for dislodging the solid material from a mine vein, said plurality of auger means rotatably supported on said body portion, drive means for rotating said auger means, a carriage mounted for longitudinal movement on said body portion, a support frame having a longitudinal axis and surrounding said body portion, said auger means rotatably supported on said support frame and arranged to pivot about the vertical axis relative thereto laterally toward and away from said body portion, said auger means being connected to said support frame for pivotal movement about said longitudinal axis thereof, a linkage mechanism for connecting said carriage to said support frame to raise and lower said auger means in a vertical plane relative to said body portion, said support frame being pivotally connected to said linkage mechanism for tilting the forward end portion of said auger mechanism relative to said linkage mechanism such that the forward end portion of said auger means moves in a linear vertical path, and means for conveying dislodged material from the face of the mine vein.
 2. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 which includes, actuator means interposed between said carriage and said linkage mechanism for raising and lowering said auger means in a vertical plane to a preselected height above the mine floor.
 3. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 in which said linkage mechanism includes, a front end portion pivotally connected to the rear end portion of said auger means, and a rear end portion pivotally connected to said carriage such that said front end portion pivots relative to said auger means rear end portion as said linkage mechanism rear end portion pivots relative to said carriage to maintain said auger means in horizontal position relative to said body portion when moved vertically.
 4. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 3 in which said linkage mechanism includes, first actuator means for raising and lowering said auger means in a vertical plane relative to said body portion, and second actuator means for tilting the front end portion of said auger means relative to said linkage mechanism so that said auger means front end portion moves in a vertical linear path.
 5. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 which includes, said auger means having a longitudinal axis positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of said support frame, and fluid actuated means interposed between said support frame and said auger means for pivoting the longitudinal axis of said auger means relative to the longitudinal axis of said support frame to move said auger means relative to said support frame in an arcuate vertical path.
 6. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 in which said support frame includes, a swing frame including a plurality of laterally spaced boom members extending forwardly of said body portion, said boom members pivotally connected to the transverse axis of said body portion for movement in a horizontal plane relative thereto, said auger means rotatably supported by and extending in parallel spaced relation to said boom members.
 7. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 6 which includes, actuator means connecting said boom members to said body portion for moving said boom members together with said auger means in a horizontal plane laterally toward and away from said body portion.
 8. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 which includes, a pair of parallel, longitudinally extending guide rails secured to said body portion, and said carriage mounted for reciprocal movement on said guide rails such that movement of said carriage on said guide rails advances and retracts said auger means longitudinally relative to said body portion.
 9. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 in which said plurality of auger means includes, a plurality of auger units, each of said auger units including an elongated auger rod having a continuous cutter scroll integral therewith, and said cutter scroll positioned radially about said elongated auger rod and extending horizontally therealong.
 10. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 in which said drive means includes, a motor drivingly connected to and supported by said auger means.
 11. A kerf cutting machine as set forth in claim 1 in which said conveying means includes, a follower plate longitudinally carried on said auger means, said follower plate positioned in spaced parallel relation to Said auger means so that material dislodged from the mine vein by said auger means is conveyed rearwardly on the surface of said follower plate. 